Anyone know lute measurements?

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous' started by Itisnotlogical, May 16, 2011.

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  1. Itisnotlogical

    Itisnotlogical Commodore Commodore

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    Recently, I've been feeling inspired to create a renaissance-style lute. I'm a far cry from a luthier, but I'm pretty sure that if I try hard enough I can at least make something that sounds pretty, and by Golly that's good enough for me.

    I've been digging about the Interwebz and so far I've found pictures of lutes in various stages of construction, lute-making kits for nearly $600, and vague descriptions of the steps involved, but nowhere have I found exact measurements, materials, etc.

    Does anybody here know the approximate measurements of a lute? What I need is the length, width, and thickness of the neck, body, and head, and maybe some advice on how to cut out the rosette over the sound hole, as shown here:

    [​IMG]

    Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
     
    Itisnotlogical, May 16, 2011
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  2. DonIago

    DonIago Vice Admiral Admiral

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    You might try asking some Society for Creative Anachronism folks - www.sca.org.
     
    DonIago, May 16, 2011
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  3. Jadzia

    Jadzia on holiday Premium Member

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    How about this? These numbers look a bit small to me, but I don't know how big a lute is!

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Jadzia, May 16, 2011
    #3
  4. M'Sharak

    M'Sharak Definitely Herbert. Maybe. Moderator

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    They may be a bit small, but there was never really a standard size for a lute and proportions can be more important than exact dimensions, particularly where the shape of the soundbox is concerned.

    This looks like a good site to use as a guide for dimensions of the various pieces and materials from which the pieces can be made:

    http://www.vanedwards.co.uk/wood.htm

    There's also a page about the tools used.
     
    M'Sharak, May 17, 2011
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  5. Alfredo

    Alfredo Cadet Newbie

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    Hey,

    I'm doing a math project in which I have to take measurements of different instruments, and I can't find a lute anywhere. By any chance did you find those measurements? They would be much appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
    Alfredo, Jan 9, 2019
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  6. Brefugee

    Brefugee No longer living the Irish dream. Premium Member

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    I hope your maths project goes well, I'm unsure if the OP will respond, they've not been active in nearly two years.
     
    Brefugee, Jan 9, 2019
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  7. Locutus of Bored

    Locutus of Bored Yo, Dawg! I Heard You Like Avatars... In Memoriam

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    The post directly above yours by M'Sharak includes a link with measurements for a lute:

    http://www.vanedwards.co.uk/wood.htm

    Since the thread is over eight years old and the person you're asking is no longer an active poster here, I'm closing this down.
     
    Locutus of Bored, Jan 10, 2019
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    Alfredo, Brefugee and Avro Arrow like this.
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